Let's break down the Italian master's 'Judith and Her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes' - one of the most transgressive art works of the Renaissance
I love her choice to paint his head with greyed skin, relegated to the shadows and bottom of the painting, contrasting with the lush textures and deep hues of the women and furnishings. Not only has she given the women agency, she’s taken away from him everything that made him human. He’s nothing. I also enjoy seeing her Judith as a mature woman. Who’s in front of the easel makes a difference. Wonderful post; thanks.
I was lucky enough to go to an exhibition of her paintings at the National Gallery in London a few years ago. The thing about her women is they are capable. No fawning, fainting maidens; women with strong forearms and dirty fingernails. (And her early Susannah is just so annoyed at those pervy elders. You can just hear her saying “fuck off, creeps!”)
I loved that show at the National Gallery. It was preceded by one where her work appeared with her father's beneath Caravaggio's, which was also great.
Absolutely love this Cole! So great, so you. I had one art history class in college and I loved it, and I definitely remember seeing her painting and having it compared with at least one of the others. Now I want to dig deeper. Bravo! Thank you.
I haven't seen that one before. I thought you were going towards the one where she is sawing off his head.
One thing to note re the trial where she managed to get her rapist convicted is that she was actually tortured during the seven month trial in order to 'prove' her testimony. Thumb screws as I recall. So she was attacked physically by both the individual and the legal system
Yep. That's how determined she was to prove her case. She was also physically examined several times. Whatever it took. A remarkable person - and woman. As for the painting choice, this is the one I grew up with, so it was the one I needed to talk about.
Thank you!! And for the chuckle (eew yuck!). Have you seen the fringe show "It's True, It's True, It's True?" Brilliant. Using vivant tableau from her paintings.
Catching up on reading from the summer fun. Such a great set of articles here. And What a great discovery finding this talented and incredible woman who is quite a force of nature. I will certainly be looking for the rest of her work. Thank you
I love her choice to paint his head with greyed skin, relegated to the shadows and bottom of the painting, contrasting with the lush textures and deep hues of the women and furnishings. Not only has she given the women agency, she’s taken away from him everything that made him human. He’s nothing. I also enjoy seeing her Judith as a mature woman. Who’s in front of the easel makes a difference. Wonderful post; thanks.
Who's in front of the easel certainly does make a difference. Thanks for reading.
I was lucky enough to go to an exhibition of her paintings at the National Gallery in London a few years ago. The thing about her women is they are capable. No fawning, fainting maidens; women with strong forearms and dirty fingernails. (And her early Susannah is just so annoyed at those pervy elders. You can just hear her saying “fuck off, creeps!”)
I loved that show at the National Gallery. It was preceded by one where her work appeared with her father's beneath Caravaggio's, which was also great.
How to deal with the male gaze permanently.
Heh.
Absolutely love this Cole! So great, so you. I had one art history class in college and I loved it, and I definitely remember seeing her painting and having it compared with at least one of the others. Now I want to dig deeper. Bravo! Thank you.
Do dig deeper. Her work is quite remarkable. I've hunted it down wherever I've been able to.
I haven't seen that one before. I thought you were going towards the one where she is sawing off his head.
One thing to note re the trial where she managed to get her rapist convicted is that she was actually tortured during the seven month trial in order to 'prove' her testimony. Thumb screws as I recall. So she was attacked physically by both the individual and the legal system
Yep. That's how determined she was to prove her case. She was also physically examined several times. Whatever it took. A remarkable person - and woman. As for the painting choice, this is the one I grew up with, so it was the one I needed to talk about.
Thank you for introducing me to this artist, her work, and the context in which it was made
You’re welcome, Phayvanh. Making sure every person who loves art knows who Artemisia is has become a life mission.
Thank you!! And for the chuckle (eew yuck!). Have you seen the fringe show "It's True, It's True, It's True?" Brilliant. Using vivant tableau from her paintings.
Catching up on reading from the summer fun. Such a great set of articles here. And What a great discovery finding this talented and incredible woman who is quite a force of nature. I will certainly be looking for the rest of her work. Thank you